Boards tend to fall into two categories when responding to service animal requests. Some boards
approve them without consideration out of fear of litigation, while others are too skeptical of such
requests. The reality is much more nuanced.
Service animals should be viewed as an extension of the person with a disability and should have access
to the same areas as their owner, with the exception of the pool and food preparation areas.
Uniform treatment of requests is another issue boards face. Again, boards can mitigate this risk by
working with counsel to develop a policy and process to handle service animal requests
fairly and consistently.
If a request comes after the fact, boards should not jump to the conclusion that the request was
submitted solely because the board became aware of an animal's presence in a unit.
There are no do-overs when it comes to the treatment of service animal requests, and boards must be
prepared to handle such requests. Timeliness is critical, as enforcement actions can occur if the board
drags its feet.
What Common Missteps Do Boards or
Managers Make Regarding
Service Animals?
